Quick links

Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal need five new players

Departing Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that Arsenal need to sign a host of new stars if they are to compete again next season.

Soon-to-depart Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes that Arsenal must invest if they are to build upon their FA Cup success.

Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought by beating Hull City in yesterday’s FA Cup final and Ferdinand believes this could be a platform for the club to build upon – but only if Arsene Wenger is prepared to bring in players over the summer.

The Arsenal manager has always been a prudent operator in the transfer-market, but has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike due to his cautious nature with regards to signings.

Wenger is never keen to spend over the odds on high-profile stars and although last summer’s signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid was a break from the norm there is still a feeling around the Emirates that the Frenchman could be more lavish with his spending.

Ferdinand is of this mind too and feels that Arsenal need to bring in five new players if they are to challenge for further honours next season and beyond.

The 35-year-old took to social media site Twitter to say that the Gunners need to add a goalkeeper, right-back, centre-back, left-midfielder and a striker over the upcoming transfer window.

It would take a huge change of policy if Arsenal were to listen to Ferdinand’s advice, but their FA Cup victory is likely to leave the club craving more success after so long without any.

Their FA Cup triumph did not come easily, though. They were two goals down within the first ten minutes to lesser fancied Hull City but, via extra-time, they were eventually able to secure the trophy to put in a cabinet that had previously been collecting dust for too long.

The question now for Wenger’s men is if they can push on and secure the Premier League crown next campaign.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.